Raps coach Casey fined US$25K for criticism of refs

Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey argues a call in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, in Cleveland. The Raptors won 113-99. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, January 31, 2013 7:59PM EST
Last Updated Thursday, January 31, 2013 9:29PM EST

NEW YORK -- The NBA fined Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey US$25,000 on Thursday for his criticism of game officials.

Casey was furious after he felt Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan was fouled in the dying seconds of Toronto's 93-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Casey charged onto the court with his arms extended, demanding an explanation for the no-call and was still upset in his post-game news conference.

"I'm tired of this," Casey said. "I'm tired of losing games because of missed calls at the end of the game. I know the league's going to come down on me for this, but I don't care. Guys have fought their hearts out, played their hearts out and at the end of the game we get cracked, apology, go back to Canada."

Casey said his initial belief a foul should have been called was supported by his review of the video.

"I've been in this league 18 years and I've never seen as many missed calls at the end of the game to cost us the game," Casey said. "We have good officials. Too good to miss calls and short-change these young men like that. And it's not right."

The Raptors (16-30) have been on the wrong end of a number of controversial calls this season, with league having already apologized twice for potentially game-changing decisions that went against Toronto.

"It's a tough situation. We play so hard and at the end of the game, we always lose it at the end," said Johnson. "I thought the call was a foul, I thought I heard a whistle, but unfortunately we didn't get the call and all we can do is play the next game."